An iconic Staffordshire pub which closed its doors for the first time in over 250 years in September during a dispute with owners Punch Taverns is to re-open.

The Swan With Two Necks – a popular tourist destination in the heart of Longdon village – first opened as an inn in 1755, and had remained in business ever since. But the pub put the closed signs up following a dispute over the terms of the lease.

But now the pub has been taken over by local businessman Neil Morten and it will open its doors again at 5pm on Friday. To celebrate the re-opening ladies will get free wine, and men who turn up with wood for the pub’s traditional open fires will be rewarded with free beer.

Villagers, backed by CAMRA, launched a campaign to save the popular pub, and Mr Morten says he wants the pub to be at the heart of the local community.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to re-open the Swan and I intend to make sure it gets back to what pubs should be – the heart of the community,” he said.

“We have ambitious plans to build on the Swan’s strengths and try a few ideas which I’m sure people will like. The restaurant will be re-opening shortly and we will be using local produce for high quality, well-priced food,” he added.

The pub is also recruiting kitchen staff and bar staff in preparation for the re-opening and the anticipated Christmas rush.